Foot and Ankle Show 2026
- tomtheorthotist
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
A bright, energetic two days at the Foot & Ankle Show 2026 gave us the perfect chance to share something we’ve been quietly working on for a long time — and to reconnect with the clinicians, innovators, and friends who make this profession what it is.
Our collaboration with Simplify Orthotics
This year was especially meaningful because we attended alongside Simplify Orthotics, with whom Tom has been developing a brand‑new insole concept: 3D‑printed insoles with a ‘Quick Heel’ adaptable posting system.
The idea behind the Quick Heel is simple but powerful — to give clinicians more control in the moment. Instead of committing to a fixed heel post at the design stage, the system allows the clinician to adjust the heel posting during the fitting appointment itself. That means:
Fine‑tuning biomechanics on the spot
Reducing the need for remakes
Improving patient comfort and function immediately
Making fittings more efficient and more clinically responsive
Seeing people handle the system for the first time — turning it over, asking questions, imagining how it could change their workflow — was a real highlight.
Two days of conversations, curiosity, and connection
The Foot & Ankle Show always brings together a brilliant mix of people, and this year was no exception. Across both days we had the chance to speak with:
Orthotists
Podiatrists
Physiotherapists
R&D specialists
Footwear and materials experts
Students and early‑career clinicians
Innovators from across the wider MSK and rehab world
What stood out most was the shared energy around innovation. Everywhere you turned, someone was exploring a new material, a new workflow, a new digital tool, or a new way of thinking about foot and ankle care. It was inspiring to see how many people are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible — not for the sake of novelty, but to genuinely improve patient outcomes.
Learning from the wider industry
Events like this are a reminder of how fast our field is moving. We had the chance to explore:
Advances in digital gait analysis
New approaches to additive manufacturing
Fresh thinking around offloading, stability, and proprioceptive design
Evolving clinical pathways for complex foot and ankle presentations
How different teams are integrating technology into everyday practice
These conversations help shape our own development work. They challenge us, reassure us, and spark new ideas — exactly what you hope for from a show like this.
A huge thank you
To everyone who stopped by, asked questions, shared insights, or simply said hello — thank you. Your feedback, curiosity, and enthusiasm are what drive projects like the Quick Heel forward.
And to the team at Simplify Orthotics: it was a pleasure to stand alongside you and share what we’ve been building together. This is only the beginning.
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